Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund delivered a standout performance in the club’s mid-season friendly against Sporting CP, scoring twice in a 3-1 victory at the Estádio José Alvalade in Lisbon. But it wasn’t just the goals that grabbed headlines—it was the identity of the provider. Kevin De Bruyne, on loan for the exhibition match as part of a promotional collaboration between United and Manchester City, set up both of Hojlund’s goals, prompting the Danish forward to quip, “Wasn’t on my bingo card,” in a post-match interview.
The friendly, held on October 2, 2025, was part of a rare inter-club initiative aimed at promoting Premier League unity and global fan engagement. With both Manchester clubs fielding mixed squads, the match offered fans a glimpse of dream combinations that would be impossible in competitive fixtures. De Bruyne, recovering from injury and not yet match-fit for City’s upcoming fixtures, was cleared to participate in the exhibition, much to the surprise of fans and pundits alike.
Manchester United vs Sporting CP – Friendly Match Summary
| Date | Venue | Final Score | Goal Scorers (Man United) | Assists Provided By |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 2, 2025 | Estádio José Alvalade | 3–1 | Rasmus Hojlund (2), Bruno Fernandes | Kevin De Bruyne (2), Garnacho |
Hojlund’s first goal came in the 22nd minute, when De Bruyne threaded a sublime through ball past three defenders, allowing the striker to finish with a low shot into the bottom corner. The second arrived in the 57th minute, with De Bruyne floating a pinpoint cross from the right flank that Hojlund headed in with precision.
Speaking after the match, Hojlund said, “I’ve admired Kevin for years. To be on the receiving end of his passes was surreal. Wasn’t on my bingo card, but I’ll take it.” The comment quickly went viral, with fans and football pages sharing memes and reactions across social media.
Rasmus Hojlund – Performance Breakdown vs Sporting CP
| Metric | Value | Commentary |
|---|---|---|
| Goals Scored | 2 | Clinical finishing in both halves |
| Shots on Target | 4 | High involvement in attacking play |
| Passes Completed | 18 | Good link-up with midfield |
| Aerial Duels Won | 3 | Strong presence in the box |
| Minutes Played | 75 | Substituted for rotation |
Kevin De Bruyne’s participation was part of a broader campaign titled “Manchester United x Manchester City: Football Beyond Rivalry,” aimed at showcasing the sport’s ability to unite fans across club lines. The initiative included joint training sessions, youth clinics, and charity events in Lisbon.
Kevin De Bruyne – Friendly Match Stats
| Metric | Value | Commentary |
|---|---|---|
| Assists | 2 | Trademark vision and delivery |
| Key Passes | 5 | Controlled tempo and transitions |
| Touches in Final Third | 22 | High creative involvement |
| Minutes Played | 60 | Substituted as part of recovery plan |
United manager Erik ten Hag praised the spirit of the event and the professionalism of all players involved. “It’s not every day you see Kevin in red, but football is bigger than rivalries. The fans loved it, and the players enjoyed the freedom to express themselves,” he said.
Sporting CP, meanwhile, used the match to test their bench strength ahead of their domestic fixtures. Their lone goal came from Pedro Gonçalves in the 39th minute, capitalizing on a defensive lapse by United’s rotated backline.
Sporting CP – Key Highlights
| Player Name | Performance Summary | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Pedro Gonçalves | Scored Sporting’s only goal | Sharp movement and finish |
| Viktor Gyökeres | Created two chances | Threatened United’s defense |
| Antonio Adán | Made 5 saves | Kept scoreline respectable |
| Nuno Santos | High work rate on left flank | Contained Garnacho effectively |
The friendly also featured appearances from academy players and fringe squad members, with United’s Kobbie Mainoo and City’s Oscar Bobb sharing midfield duties in the second half. The match ended with a joint lap of honour, as players from both clubs greeted fans and posed for photos.
Social media platforms lit up with reactions to the De Bruyne-Hojlund link-up, with hashtags like #DeBruyneInRed, #HojlundBrace, and #FootballBeyondRivalry trending across Twitter/X, Instagram, and YouTube.
Public Sentiment – Social Media Buzz on United-City Friendly
| Platform | Engagement Level | Sentiment (%) | Top Hashtags |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twitter/X | 1.6M mentions | 85% amused | #DeBruyneInRed #HojlundBrace |
| 1.3M interactions | 82% celebratory | #FootballBeyondRivalry #UnitedFriendly | |
| 950K views | 88% strategic | #SportsMarketing #PremierLeagueUnity | |
| YouTube | 890K views | 84% reflective | #DeBruyneExplained #HojlundGoals |
Fans have called for more such events, suggesting that inter-club collaborations could help promote football in emerging markets and foster goodwill among rival fanbases. The Premier League has yet to comment on whether similar initiatives will be supported in future seasons.
In conclusion, Rasmus Hojlund’s brace—set up by none other than Kevin De Bruyne—was the highlight of a unique and entertaining friendly that blurred club boundaries and celebrated football’s universal appeal. As the Premier League resumes, fans will remember this match not for the scoreline, but for the surreal sight of rivals uniting on the pitch.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available match reports, player interviews, and verified sports commentary. It does not constitute confirmation of any future fixtures or endorsement of any commercial initiative. All quotes are attributed to public figures and institutions as per coverage. Readers are advised to follow official club channels for verified updates.
